Belgium finally gets an interim government

Euronews

After more than six months of political deadlock, Belgium’s caretaker prime minister has succeeded in forming an interim government. The country had been without an executive since a June election – rival political parties have failed to agree on a coalition since. Yves Leterme, whose Christian Democrats repeatedly failed to form a government despite winning the election, welcomed the news: “Things are complicated in our country at the moment. Now we must put an end to the in-fighting and start working for the people. That’s my goal.”

Outgoing finance minister and head of the French-speaking Liberals, Didier Reynders, whose party blocked previous coalition talks, said: “This government won’t be easy to run, neither was the previous one. When I go into a council of ministers, I am no Socialist, nor am I when I leave. So there’s bound to be some tough discussions.”

The interim government is expected to pass a parliamentary vote of confidence on Sunday, after which it will remain in office until March 23 at the latest.